Figure 3

CXCL16 and CXCR6 are highly expressed in SSc compared to normal skin. Frozen sections of proximal and distal SSc and normal skin were stained for CXCL16 or CXCR6. (A), CXCL16 was highly expressed in the stratum spinosum of normal (40%), proximal SSc (30%), and distal SSc (39%) skin. (B), CXCL16 was significantly decreased on ECs in proximal SSc (18%) and distal SSc skin (20%) compared to normal skin (45%). Representative photos of CXCL16 immunohistological staining in normal (C) and distal SSc skin (D) are shown. (E), CXCR6 was significantly increased on ECs in proximal SSc (16%) and distal SSc skin (15%) compared to normal skin (4%). Representative photos of CXCR6 immunohistological staining in normal (F) and distal SSc skin (G) are shown. Arrows indicate positive staining. Means are given with the SEM. n = the number of patients. P < 0.05 was considered significant.